Environmental impact assessment of a 1600 MW …EIA is carried out at a 1600 MW thermal power plant...

© 2016 IJEDR | Volume 4, Issue 4 | ISSN: 2321-9939

IJEDR1604038 International Journal of Engineering Development and Research (www.ijedr.org) 229

Environmental impact assessment of a 1600 MW

thermal power plant project in Karimnagar district of

Telangana

1D.V.S. Praneeth,

2Arghajeet Saha

1,2 M.Tech. Scholar 1Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, 2School of Water Resources

1,2 Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Abstract— With rapid urbanization and population boom in India, the need for power has grown considerably over the

past decade. And with more and more power plants being set up, it becomes essential to focus on the power generated but

also on the impact it has on the environment. EIA is carried out at a 1600 MW thermal power plant located in the

Karimnagar district of Telangana to help us estimate the effect the power station has on natural resources which in turn

effects the population near it. The EIA requites the help of air quality models such as AERMOD in addition to other tools

and methods. The project has significant impact on the air quality of the region and considerably less on the ground and

surface water. The mitigation measures are also stated in addition to it.

IndexTerms— Impact assessment, Air quality, Groundwater, Surface water (keywords) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I. INTRODUCTION

Due to the rapid growth of population, economy and industrialization change in the life style and advance technologies are

causing harm to the environment and human [3]. The purpose of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) being used is to have

information regarding proposed project before project and after project regarding every physical, environmental aspects as to

make a decision whether proposed one have potential effect to the environment and human. It also provides information regarding

reduction the impacts and mitigation measures. Overall EIA is a systematic process of examination, analysis and assessment of

planned activities with a view to ensuring environmentally sound and sustainable development [2] and main objective is to design

the activities considered in the any process of proposed projects considering environmentally [4].

Power development is one of the key infrastructural elements for the economic growth of the country. About 60% of electricity in

India is generated by thermal power plants [5]. National Thermal Power Corporation Limited was set up in November 1975 with

the objective of planning, promoting organizing and integrated accelerated development of thermal power in the country. As per

A.P. Re-organization Act 2014, NTPC has been mandated to set up 4000 MW Coal fired thermal power plant for Telangana

State. As per Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification dated 14.09.2006 and subsequent amendment dated

01.12.2009 of Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MOEF & CC). The proposed project falls under

category A of schedule 1(d) and requires environmental clearance from MOEF & CC. this paper provides the environmental

impact assessment of proposed project and providing decision making regarding implementing of projects and also mitigation

measures.

II. METHODOLOGY

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study for the proposed power project considers a core study area covering a radius

of 10 km around the proposed site. The scope of the study is based on the TOR prescribed by MoEF &CC. The six step approach

is followed in order to do environmental risk assessment for proposed thermal project, the steps involved are-



2.1. Identification of the possible impacts due to proposed projects

In this step all possible impacts that can occur during the constructional phase, operational phases are listed and corresponding

parameters that causes the environmental is mentioned.

2. 2. Description of existing environmental conditions

As name indicates this step includes the description of present environmental conditions in terms of effecting parameter like air

quality data, existing surface and ground quality data, present noise levels etc.

2.3. Procurement of relevant environmental quality standards and regulations

In this step we will indicate all environmental quality standards issued by government authorities like for air -National Ambient

Air quality Standards, for surface water- surface water discharge limits for non effecting water body etc.

2.4. Impact prediction

Impact prediction is done with all listed possible impacts mentioned in the step 1 using the models, instruments, frame works. In

this stage we will able to get the numerical value of possible impacts after the project

2.5. Impact assessment

In this stage we will sum up existing value and calculated (predicted) value of a proposed project and compared to the quality

standards mentioned in the step 3. And a rating is given for all baseline parameters according to their affected timeline using the

leopard matrix in the form of intensity and context.

2.5.1. Leopold Matrix

It is generally used for environmental impact assessment, in this the rows cover the important or vital aspects of the environment

and society, while the columns covers a project’s activities during all stages prevalent in the project. Each box of interaction must

help us come to the conclusion as whether the action in question will have an impact on the environmental factor. If it doesn’t, an

empty circle is put in its place. But if it does, a filled circle is placed and the impact is described as : (A) High (B) Moderate Or (C) Low.

There are three steps involved in building the matrix:

1. Mark a diagonal line on all boxes where the impacts of the action on the environment are considered significant.

2. Rate it from 1 to 10, 1 being lowest and 10 being highest, with the number placed in each box identified in Step 1 to indicate

the magnitude of the specific action’s impact on that aspect of the environment. This number is to be placed in the upper left hand

corner.

3. Using the same rating system, a rating is made in the lower right hand corner of the defined boxes, representing the importance

of the impact to the project.

2.6. Mitigation measures

The decision is made according to impact assessment whether project is to be constructed or not based on the step 5 and if it is

constructed then measured to be taken to reduce the affected parameters which exceed the standard values is mentioned.

III. LOCATION OF PROJECT AND DESCRIPTION

A coal based thermal power station of 1600 MW (2X800 MW) capacity with super critical technology is located in the

Karimnagar district of Telangana, with the details as stated in Table 1.

Table 1: Features of Power Plant

Sr. No. Features Description

1 Capacity 1600 MW

2 Configuration Stage-I ( 2*800) MW

3 Technology Super critical technology

4 Construction power Start-up power from NTPC

Ramagundam

5 Source of coal Indigenous coal from SCGL

6 Sulphur content 0.5%

7 Ash content 37-43 % 8 Total ash generation 3.2 MPTA



9 Coal requirement 8.0 MTPA

10 Mode transportation Rail and underground conveyor

system

12 ESP efficiency 99.90

13 Stack 275 m height

14 Water requirement 5825 m3/hr

15 Source of water Yellampally barrage, 14 km from proposed plant

16 Project cost 9954.20 Crores

17 Man power 1500 persons

IV. RESULTS

4.1 Prediction and assessment of impacts of the air environment

Step 1. Identification of the types and quantities of air pollutants and of their impacts

This step consists of describing the given project, what types of air pollutants might be emitted during the construction and

operational phases of proposed project activity, quantities to which such air pollutants are expected to occur.

The ambient air quality with respect to the study zone around the proposed plant area forms the baseline information. The various

sources of air pollution in the region are industrial, traffic, urban and rural activities. This will also be useful for assessing the

conformity to standards of the ambient air quality during plant operation.

Table 2: Impacts during constructional activities

Construction Activities Sector Probable Impacts

Site clearing and Levelling

(cutting, stripping,

excavation, earth

movement, compaction)

Air • Fugitive Dust Emissions

• Noise/ Air Emissions from

construction equipment &

Machinery

Transportation and Storage

of Construction Material/

Equipment

Air • Noise and Air Emissions from

Vehicles

• Fugitive Dust Emissions due to

Traffic Movement

• Spillage and fugitive emissions of

construction materials

Civil Construction Activities Air • Noise and Air Emissions from

Construction Machinery


Movement of Traffic

Mechanical and Electrical

Erection

Air • Noise & Air Emissions from

Transportation and Disposal

of Construction Debris

Air • Noise and Air Emissions from

Transport Vehicles


Movement of Traffic • Spillage and fugitive emissions of

debris materials

The main sources of emission during the construction period are the movement of equipment at site and dust emitted during the

leveling, grading, earthwork and foundation works. The dust emitted during the above mentioned activities depend upon the type

of soil being excavated and the ambient humidity levels. The dust generated during the construction activities will however, settle

quickly. Therefore, the impact will be for short duration and confined locally to the construction site. The composition of dust in

this kind of operation is, however, mostly inorganic and non-toxic in nature. The impact will be confined within the project



boundary and is expected to be negligible outside the plant boundaries. Exhaust emissions from vehicles and equipment deployed

during the construction phase is also likely to result in marginal increase in the levels of NOx, PM and CO. The impact will be for

short duration and confined within the project boundary and is expected to be negligible outside the plant boundaries. The impact

will, however, be reversible, marginal and temporary.

Table 1: Impacts during Operational Phase

Operation and

Maintenance Activities

Sector Probable Impacts

Transportation of Coal/ Oil Air • Noise and Air Emissions from Vehicles

• Fugitive Dust Emissions due to Traffic

Movement

• Spillage and fugitive emissions of coal/ oil

Unloading, Crushing and

Storage of Crushed Coal/

Air Fugitive Dust Emissions from Coal

Burning of Fuel Air Stack emissions (PM, SO2, NOx)

Transportation and

Disposal of Ash

Air • Fugitive Emissions

The impact on air quality is assessed based on emissions from the proposed power plant. Particulate Matter (PM), Sulphur dioxide

(SO2) and Nitrogen Dioxides (NOx) are the important pollutants emitting from the proposed project.

Table 2: Details about proposed stack emissions

Parameters Units Value

Stack height M 275

No of stacks NO. 1

Flue diameter M 8.15

Flue gas velocity K 22

Flue gas temperature m/sec 398

Volumetric flow rate Nm3/sec 858.9

Rate of coal combustion TPH 1010.10

Sulphur % 0.5

Estimated emission rates

Sulphur dioxide g/s/unit 1402.9

Nitrogen oxides g/s/unit 534.5

Particulate meter g/s/unit 21.4

Step 2. Description of existing Air quality conditions

Existing air quality conditions can be described in terms of ambient air quality data, emission inventories, and meteorological

information which relates to atmospheric dispersion.

Respirable Particulate Matter (PM10):

A maximum value of 68.5 μg/m3 was observed at Mallialpalli (AAQ-2) and minimum value of 41.1 μg/m3 was observed at Near

FCI Gate (AAQ-4). The average values were observed to be in the range of 44.8 to 51.4 μg/m3.



Particulate Matter (PM2.5):

A maximum value of 40.2 μg/m3 was observed at Mallialpalli (AAQ-2) and minimum value of 20.2 μg/m3 was observed at Near

FCI Gate (AAQ4). The average values were observed to be in the range of 22.4 to 30.2 μg/m3.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2):

Maximum concentration of NO2 is observed to be 32.8 μg/m3 at Mallialpalli (AAQ-2) and minimum value of 14.6 μg/m3

observed at Near FCI Gate (AAQ4). The average values were observed to be in the range of 16.0 to 13.2 μg/m).

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2):

Maximum concentration of SO2 is observed to be 23.5 μg/m3 at Mallialpalli (AAQ-2) and minimum value of 12.1 μg/m3 observed

at Near FCI Gate (AAQ4). The average values were observed to be in the range of 13.4 to 18.7 μg/m3

Meteorological information

The meteorological parameters were recorded on hourly basis during the study period near proposed plant site and comprises of

parameters like wind speed, wind direction (from 0 to 360 degrees), temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure.

• Temperature - Min: 9.1C and Max: 36.4C

• Relative Humidity - Min: 20.6% and Max: 93.8%

• Wind speed - -0.2-19 kmph

• Predominant Wind Direction - NE, S and SE

Step 3. Procurement of relevant air quality standards and regulations

The primary sources of information on air quality standards, criteria, and policies will be the relevant local, state, and federal

agencies which have mandate for overseeing the air resources of the study area.

Table 3: National ambient air quality standards for concern pollutants

Pollutant Time weighted mean Concentrated in ambient air

Industrial zone Sensitive zone

Sulphur dioxide Annual

24 hours

50

80

80

80

Nitrogen dioxide Annual

24 hours

40

80

30

80

PM10 Annual

24 hours

60

100

60

100

PM2.5 Annual

24 hours

40

60

40

60

OZONE 8 hour

1 hour

100

180

100

180

Step 4. Impact prediction

Air quality impact prediction can be based on several approaches, including mass balance, mathematical models, and other

considerations

The impact on air quality is assessed based on emissions from the proposed power plant. Particulate Matter (PM), Sulphur dioxide

(SO2) and Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the important pollutants emitting from the proposed project.



Details of Mathematical Modelling

For prediction of maximum Ground Level Concentrations (GLC’s), the air dispersion modelling software (AERMOD version

7.1.0) was used. AERMOD is steady state advanced Gaussian plume model that simulates air quality and deposition fields up to

50 km radius. AERMOD is approved by USEPA and is widely used software. It is an advanced version of Industrial Source

Complex (ISCST3) model, utilizes similar input and output structure to ISCST3 sharing many of the same features, as well as

offering additional features. The model is applicable to rural and urban areas, flat and complex terrain, surface and elevated

releases and multiple sources including point, area, flare, line and volume sources.

The simulations have been carried out to evaluate SO2, NOx and PM likely to be contributed by the proposed project. For the

short-term simulations, the concentrations were estimated to obtain an optimum description of variations in concentrations over

the site in 10 km radius covering 16 directions.

Table 4: Predicted concentrations using model

Pollutant Maximum incremental

Levels (μg/m3 )

Distance

(km)

Direction

Particulate Matter 0.52 2.2 SW

Sulphur dioxide 34.22 2.3 SW

Nitrogen oxides 13.04 2.2 SW

Step 5. Assessment of impact significance

Significance assessment refers to interpretation of significance of anticipated changes related to project .one basis for impact

assessment is public input; input can be received through a continued scoping process or conduction of public meeting .

Table 5: Resultant ground level concentrations (24-hourly)

Pollutant Max baseline

concentration

Incremental

concentration

Resultant NAAQS limits

PM 68.5 69.02 69.02 100

SO2 23.5 34.22 57.72 80

NOX 32.8 13.04 45.84 80

The fugitive dust emissions expected are from coal storage yards, coal conveyor belt area, ash dumping areas, transportation of

fuel and solid waste. In the proposed project coal handling plant will be properly operated with EMP suggested in this report, no

major fugitive dust emissions are envisaged. Similarly, HCSD system of ash stacking will be practiced and hence, no dust

emissions are envisaged from ash dump areas. The fuel will be received through rail line and the solid waste will be sent to dyke

areas through pipeline. Hence, no dust emissions from transportation are envisaged. Further, internal roads are to be asphalted to

further reduce fugitive dust emissions.

The dust emissions, if any, from the above areas will be fugitive in nature and maximum during summer season (when the wind

velocities are likely to be high) and almost nil during the monsoon season. The dust emissions are likely to be confined to the

place of generation only. The quantification of these fugitive emissions from the area sources is difficult as it depends on lot of

factors such as dust particle size, specific gravity of dust particles, wind velocity, moisture content of the material and ambient



temperatures etc. Also, there is a high level of variability in these factors. Hence, these are not amenable for mathematical

dispersion modelling. However, by proper usage of dust suppression measures, dust generation and dispersions will be reduced.

Step 6. Identification and incorporation of mitigation measures

The mitigative measures recommended for control of air pollution in the plant are:

• Installation of ESP of efficiency more than 99.99% to limit the Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations below 50 mg/Nm3.

• Provision of twin flue stack of 275 m height for wider dispersion of gaseous emissions.

• Combustion Control for NOx (Low NOx burner).

• Dust suppression and extraction system in Coal Handling Plant.

• Space for retrofitting FGD System in future, if required.

• Provision of water sprinkling system at raw material storage yard.

• Asphalting of the roads within the plant area.

• Online flue gas monitors as well as flue gas flow rates and temperature measurement shall be provided for all stacks.

4.2 Prediction and assessment of impacts on groundwater

Step 1. Identification of ground water quality & quantity impacts of the proposed project

No ground water source will be tapped for meeting the water requirements during operation of power plant. The entire water

requirement of the project will be drawn from a water barrage on a river. Hence, no adverse impact on ground water sources is

envisaged. Operation of the thermal power project will not have any long-term impact on water quality as it is proposed to be a

minimum discharge plant. The water system of the proposed project has been developed with maximum recycle and reuse of

water, so as to reduce the quantity of effluents generated from the plant. The project will have a closed cycle cooling system with

cooling towers. Ground water will only be used during construction phase and not during the operational phase of the plant. There

is a possibility of decrease in the ground water level during the construction phase. Also there could a contamination of ground

water by various pollutants during this phase. Sewage from the labour colony can potentially contaminate the ground water.

Step 2. Description of existing ground water conditions

Table 6: Existing groundwater conditions

Parameters Units Existing values

pH -- 6.98

Turbidity NTU 16

TDS mg/l 872

Total hardness as CaCO3 mg/l 445

Total alkalinity mg/l 430

Chlorides mg/l 126

Total coliforms MPN/100 Nil

Step 3. Procurement of relevant groundwater standards

Table 7: General groundwater standards

Parameters Units Permissible standards

pH -- 6.5 – 8.5

Turbidity NTU 5



TDS mg/l 500

Total hardness as CaCO3 mg/l 300

Total alkalinity mg/l 200

Chlorides mg/l 250

Total coliforms MPN/100 10

Step 4. Impact prediction

No adverse impact on the ground water was predicted as it was only to be used during the construction phase. Decrease in ground

water level may be noted in the vicinity of the plant during the mentioned phase. As there are no inhabitants living there so its

impact can be easily overlooked. Untreated sewage may contaminate the ground water which may originate from the labor

colonies.


For the assessment of impact significance we need to construct the Leopold matrix. It is a tool which can be used effectively to

judge the significance of a proposed project on a particular environmental parameter or all the parameters at a once.

Table 8: Leopold matrix for impact on ground water

Environmental items Construction phase

Ground water

Note – A scale of 1 to 10 was used in the above matrix. 1 was used to signify least negative impact whereas 10 signifies the

highest negative impact of a project.

So from the above shown Leopold matrix we can conclude that the project is not having any significant impact on the ground

water and thus the project could go on.

Step 6. Incorporation of mitigation measures

As the project is not having any significant impact on the ground water so the application of mitigation measures in not

compulsory. But during the construction phase proper measures could be taken to minimize the usage of water so that there is a

lesser drop in the ground water level. Sewage generated from the labor colonies should be treated by using soak pit or septic

tanks. This will decrease the chances of the contamination of the ground water.

4.3 Prediction and assessment of impacts on surface water

Step 1. Surface water impacts

• Construction phase

• Run-off from storage areas of construction material.

• Run from construction debris.

• Run-off from Storage Areas of Erection site – oil & paints.

• Effluent from labour colonies.

• Operational phase

• Effluent from oil and coal storage areas, coal dust suppression systems etc.

• Reduced availability of water for downstream users.

• Effluent from various processes containing heavy metals, oil and grease and nutrients (N,P).

• Thermal Pollution in discharging stream.

2/10 2/10



Step 2 and Step 3. Existing environment description and relevant standards

Table 9: Surface water permissible limits and measured value

Parameter Units Permissible

limits

Measured value

pH - 6.5 – 8.5 8.34

TDS mg/l 500 397

DO mg/l 5 6.2

BOD mg/l - < 3.0

Total Hardness

as CaCO3

mg/l 300 176

Total alkalinity

as CaCO3

mg/l 200 168

Nitrate as NO3 - mg/l 45 0.2

phosphate mg/l - 1.0

Coliform MPN/100 10 5

Zinc mg/l 5 1.24

Copper mg/l 0.05 0.18

Iron mg/l 0.3 0.26

Chromium as

Cr +6

mg/l 0.05 < 0.05

Chloride mg/l 250 45.7

Oil & Grease mg/l 10 < 1.0

temperature o C 20 25

Step 4. Impact Prediction

Table 10: Surface water permissible limits and discharge value

Parameter Units Permissible limits Discharge value of mixed stream

pH - 6.5 – 8.5 4

TDS mg/l 500 7000

DO mg/l 5 1

BOD mg/l - 250

Total Hardness as

CaCO3

mg/l 300 1600

Nitrate as NO3 - mg/l 45 15

Phosphate mg/l - 5

Coliform MPN/100 10 -

Zinc mg/l 5 -

Copper mg/l 0.05 -

Iron mg/l 0.3 -

Chromium as Cr +6 mg/l 0.05 -



Chloride mg/l 250 300

Oil & Grease mg/l 10 45

Temperature o C 20 110

Table 11: Parameter values in effluent

Parameter Units Permissible limits for discharge to

stream

Value in the effluent

pH - 6.5 – 8.5 5.5

temperature o C 20 30 – 35

Suspended solids mg/l 30 150

BOD5 mg/l 30 200

Nitrates as NO3 – mg/l 45 50

Phosphates mg/l - 8

The construction phase water stream has a discharge rate of 0.002 cusec and flows into a stream of discharge 15 cusec

Effect negligible.

Table 12: Overall assessment of parameters in surface water

Parameter Units Permissible limits for

discharge to the stream

Expected

values

Values in the

river

Final

concentra

tion after

mixing

pH - 6.5 – 8.5 5.5 8.34 8.340

Temperature o C 20 35 25 24.997

Suspended solids mg/l 30 400 50 49.998

BOD5 mg/l 30 250 2 2.053

Nitrates as NO3 – mg/l 45 55 0.2 0.233

Phosphates mg/l - 5 1 1.007

Oil & grease mg/l 10 50 1 1.001

Paints and thinners mg/l 1 36 0.2 0.207

Spent automobile oils mg/l 1 45 0.05 0.055




• Small populated town 50 km downstream

• Water drawn from the same stream

• Hence quality of water in this context – 5 out 10

• Leopold matrix for various components

• Marks allotted on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being for best quality.

Table 13: Operational and Constructional phase details

Step 6. Mitigation measures

The following mitigation measures are to be adopted

• Separate sewage treatment scheme for the township

• Process alternatives

– ash water recycling and

– boiler water recirculation.

• Treatment plant for treating the plant effluent

• ESP and other air pollutant equipment wash water pre – treatment before discharge

• Alternative technology

– reduce water usage such as preheating of coal with spent water recirculation.

– recycle wash water.

Surface water Operational phase

Context Intensity

Construction phase

Context Intensity

pH 5/10 3/10 5/10 6/10

TDS 5/10 1/10 5/10 8/10

DO 5/10 2/10 5/10 6/10

BOD 5/10 1/10 5/10 1/10

Total Hardness as CaCO3 5/10 1/10 5/10 1/10

Nitrate as NO3 - 5/10 8/10 5/10 3/10

Phosphate 5/10 2/10 5/10 2/10

Coliform 5/10 9/10 5/10 2/10

Chloride 5/10 2/10 NA

Oil & Grease 5/10 3/10 5/10 3/10

Temperature 5/10 1/10 5/10 8/10

Suspended Solids 5/10 1/10 5/10 2/10

Total Score awarded 5/10 3/10 5/10 4/10



V. CONCLUSION

With rapid industrialization and urbanisation in India the need for power availability too drastically increased since the

fall of the century. Thus, it has become unreasonable to allow blockade of industries and with the ever expanding stress

on nature, impact prediction studies such as this and their application is the sole way forward in maintaining caution and

protection of natural resources.

REFERNCES:

[1] Draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Telangana Super Thermal Power Project Stage-I (2x800 MW) at

Ramagundam, Karimnagar District, Telangana State.

Environmental Consultant :

Vimta Labs Limited

142, IDA, Phase-II, Cherlapally,

Hyderabad–500 051, Telangana State,

www.vimta.com, [email protected]

(NABL/ISO 17025 Certified Laboratory, Recognized by MoEF, New Delhi)

March, 2015.

[2] Glasson, J., Therivel, R., Chadwick, A. Introduction to environmental impact assessment. Second ed. London: UCL Press;

1999.

[3] Jitendra K. Panigrahi, Susruta Amirapu. Environmental Impact Assessment Review. Journal of Environmental Impact

Assessment Review 35 (2012). 23–36.

[4] Paliwal, R. “EIA practice in India and its evaluation using SWOT analysis”. Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment

Review 26 (2006). 492–510.

[5] Kumar, S., Katoria, D., Sehgal, D. Environment Impact Assessment of Thermal Power Plant for Sustainable Development.

International Journal of Environmental Engineering and Management. Volume 4, Number 6 (2013), 567-572

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Environmental impact assessment of a 1600 MW …EIA is carried out at a 1600 MW thermal power plant...

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